Gasoline pump switch



Patented June 5, 1951 GASOLINE PUMP SWITCH Ernest Earl Mallory, Indianapolis, Ind., assigner to P. R. Mallory & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., a corporation of Delaware f Application June ze, 1949, serial No. 102,009

claims. (ci. 20o-16s) The present invention relates generally to electrical switches and is directed more specifically to such apparatus including means and methods ior intermittently making and breaking electrical connections in circuits associated with motors used in fuel pumps.

In gasoline pumps, for example, the motor used for pumping gasoline has connected therewith means for starting and stopping the motor when a hook cradling the nozzle of the hose of the gasoline pump is released or engaged. Since the gasoline, or its fumes, is volatile and inflammable and thus may be easily ignited by a spark or electrical arc, it is necessary that the switch components used with the pump motor be fully safety constructed and designed to substantially eliminate any chance ofra spark, due to the making or breaking of the electrical circuits to the motor, igniting the gasoline.

The present novel invention provides a multisection, safety type switch for such a motor used in a fuel pump. Each of the sections of the complete switch individually comprises a separate unitary switch mechanism adapted to make or break an electrical circuit connected thereto. A rotor comprising a double-faced cam is situated intermediate the resilient contact arms of both switch sections and is adapted in each section to make and break electrical contact therebetween. The contact arms, in turn, have contact points placed at the free ends thereof facing each other. The resilient armsin each of the sections comprise a spring loaded multi-sectioned arm, which may have a J shape, and Ia separate V-shaped arm. Each arm has an end xedly mounted, adjacent the other, upon an electrically insulated platform formed integral with a pair of insulated side walls comprising a portion of the switch section casing,

By this novel arrangement of parts in cach of the switch sections, the contact arms are fixedly mounted on the platform and held therein against displacement with their free ends adjacent each other. The contact elements carried on these ends face each other. To further aid in the support of the resilient contact arms a V-shaped shelf and a combination post and shelf, which may be constructed of non-conductive material, are formed in oppositely placed side walls of the casing of each section. The head of one of the resilient arms rests on the V-shaped shelf while, oppositely situated therefrom, the J-shaped or bent arm, because of a cut-out, rests on a second shelf about a post connected to the shelf. Bythis means, the spring loaded arm is maintained against rotation or displacement, yet, allows for pivotable movement at the post and shelf, about an axial fulcrum, to afford proper contact relationship between the two resilient arms. Further, the two casings holding the switch components are interlockably juxtaposed and sealed, as by means of eyelets, in a substantially tight manner to completely afford maximum safety construction. Moreover, because of the novel constructional features of the switch casing, only one fabricating mold need be employed to form the separate bottom and top sections, thus achieving great economy in cost and parts and providing an optimum simplicity in manufacture and assembly. Also the switch may be mounted from either side thereby changing the direction in which it is turned on and off from clockwise to counter clockwise.

Therefore, an object of the present invention'is to provide cooperative relationship of switch elements in a simple and eilcient manner giving a safety switch for motors adapted to be used with fuel pumps. l

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-sectioned switch where each section comprises a complete unitary switch including novelA mounting means and arrangement for the resilient arms and rotor included there-within.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a safety type switch having special utility as used in combination with a motor incorporated in gasoline pumps and comprises a plurality of interlocking casings being formed of electrical non-conductive material with said casings being formed as a unit into a rhomboidal conguration and providing means for substan1 tially non-movably retaining electrical contact elements therein.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a safety switch adapted for use with motors included in fuel pumps, said switch having a novel configuration adapted to provide tight construction of separate sections thereof and which includes a pair of resilient` contact members novelly retained therein and adapted to make electrical contact therebetween so as to make and break their electrical contact by means of a rotor element having a molded shaft and a double faced cam connected thereto.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide electrical interrupter means for use with a motor for pumping fuel, said interrupter comprising a plurality of individual switch sections intimately conforming with each other in an exceptionally tight manner mi amandine i 3 each section a pair of novelly mounted resilient contact arms overlying each other and rotatable means for moving said resilient arms away from each other.

'I'he invention, in another of its aspects, relates to novel features of the instrumentalities described herein for teaching the principal object of the invention and to the novel principles employed in the instrumentalities whether or not these features and principles may be used in the said object and/or in the said field.

Other objects of the invention and the nature thereof will become apparent from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying figures of the drawing and wherein like reference characters describe elements of similar function therein and wherein the scope of the invention is determined rather' from the dependent claims.

Reference is made to the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an individual switch section including a rotor and a pair of especially mounted contact arm members;

Figure 2 is a cross sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the composite switch invention having two similar sections shown in Figure 1 and as they would appear taken alongline 2-2 thereof Figure 3 is a cross sectional elevational view taken on line 3-3 of Figure 1 of a preferred embodiment of the invention useful in illustrating the cooperative arrangement of the separate sections and parts comprising the novel switch invention;

Figure 4 is a constructional view showing the structure of the rotor element used in the switch of the preferred embodiment of the invention and as shown in cooperative relation with the contact springs of the switch;

Figure 5 is a plan internal view of one of the casings used in the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating the novel construction thereof; and

Figure 6 is a plan view of a casing showing the external constructional configuration thereof.

Generally speaking, the present invention ldiscloses a safety switch 8 adapted to be used in conjunction with a motor used in fuel pumps. Switch 8 is a double make and break switch and comprises a pair of tightly mated interlocked and individual switch sections I 0 and I8', each of which is similarly constructed and designed to embody a complete unitary mechanism. In each section, such as III, a pair of resilient contact arms 21, 28 which may be of a thin leaf spring-like construction, are substantially iixedly mounted in a simple. compact manner so that a contact arm 28 overlies its associate contact arm 21 and may have a yieldable and somewhat pivotable movement about a fulcrum established at a point 33 opposite the overlying portion of the individual arms. Further, in each switch section a headed nib GII is centrally positioned on the lower contact arm so that the contact arms may be separated by means of a rotor Iii comprising a molded double faced cam 62 integrally formed on an electrically insulated shaft 10.

Referring now to the Figures 1-4, a multiple switch generally designated by reference numeral 8 is disclosed which includes switch I 0 and III'. Since each of the switch sections is similarly del may be used to fabricate the opposite mated sections oi the switch, the description oi' the combined switch will proceed herealong as by simply tending upright from base I I of switch section described.

Il are a plurality of side walls I2I5 forming a generally rhomboidal shaped casing including a plurality of angles or wall junctions I6I9. Walls I2 and I3 form an angle or junction designated as I6; walls I2 and I4 form `function I1; walls I4 and I5 form junction I8; and walls I5 and I2 form junction I9.

In the structure formed at Junctions I1 and I9 bores or holes 20 and 2| are penetratingly cut therethrough. Bore 2| is countersunk and has a countersunk section 2I'. and bore 20 has a raised section 20'. The particular construction of bores in the aforesaid junctions I1 and I9 have a significant utility in the construction of the simple combined switch. By the above bore construction only one mold form is necessary to fabricate the individual switch sections. For example, since one bore is countersunk and the opposite bore is raised, then raised bore 20' will nt within vits oppositely disposed countersunk section of switch section I8 so as to eil'ect an interlockable engagement for the individual switch sections.

On base II, extending inwardly for a substantial distance therealong, a platform 22 is formed from side walls Il and I5. Base II and platform 22 include eyelets 25 and 26 substantially fixed in a plurality of bores 25' and 26'. Eyelets 25 and 2S are adapted to substantially fixedly mount a pair oi' resilient arms 21 and 28 on platform 22. It is to be noted that platform 22 has a thickness substantially less than the height of the conjoining walls I4 and I5.

Further, a plurality of ledges 30 and 3| are formed in the inside walls 88, 89 of oppositely disposed junctions I9 and I1.` As stated, resilient arms 21 and 28 are adapted to extend from platform 22 to shelves or ledges 38 and 3| where their free ends 40 and II respectively are adapted to overlie each other. Resilient contact arm 28. moreover, is a multi-sectioned arm having a generally J-shape'd construction and includes a plurality of sections 50 and 5I, with section 5I having a cut-out portion 52. Cut-out portion 52 is adapted to' fit over a post 53 formed on ledge 3| in wall 89 of the casing. In this manner resilient arm 28 is adapted to be xedly mounted from platform 22 by means of eyelets 26, yet, because of its fulcrum positioning about post 53, a yieldable, pivotable mounting is obtained therefor.

Centrally positioned along arm section 5I of resilient member 28 is a headed nib or tapered pivot 60 adapted to cooperate with rotor BI to activate contact arms 21 and 28 as hereinafter In the normal operation of switch section I0 arms 21 and 28 overlie each other and have contact faces 43 and 44 facing each other. Rotor 6I is mounted in Switch section I0 through a generally circular shaped opening 93 cut in base II thereof (Figs. 5 and 6). Rotor 6I comprises a double faced cam 62 having cam sections signed and constructed, as in fact, only one mold I3 and 84 and having raised sections 65 and 86.

Sections 64 and 66 comprise one face of cam 6I with raised section 66 connected to section 64 by means of an inclined section 61. Cam 62 includes a shaft portion 10 and a plurality of collars 68 and B9 integrally formed with a shaft 10 of rotor 6I. An opening is .deeply cut within shaft 10 and is used to activate the rotor of the switch from an external means. The shape of the hole issuch that an actuating member can be inserted to turn rotor with lost motion so that when switch is being rotated towards on contact position the resilient spring members in cooperation with angle or flange ol rotor cause rotor to advance by the force of resilient members, effecting a fast make in both contacts.

When rotor 6I is rotated, section 64 of cam 62 rides above the tip or head of nib 60 until the nib arrives at inclined section 61 whereupon nib 60 is depressed so as to separate contact faces M and 43 of resilient arms 21 and 28 respectively. Rotor shaft 10 is maintained in a desired rotational position within opening 93 by means of lip or bearingr extensions 9| and 92 firmly main tained and strengthened on base- Il by having lip 9| abut a plurality of side walls of the casing and by having lip 92 strengthened and supported by a rib 90 integrally formed with base Il and extending from lip S2 to platform 22.

The entire assembly may then be interlockably mated and fitted for safety purposes by interlitting each raised bore within its countersunk counterpart, as described above, and further having switch section l Il and I inextricably joined by means of rivets or eyeletsv 13, 14 and 15 piercing the casing through bores 91, 98 and 99 formed at the end of recesses |00, IUI and |02.

The novel type safety switch as herein described is purely illustrative and since many widely varying modificationsy of the structure shown herein may be made, it is intended that all such matter may be covered by the present description and the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A safety switch comprising in combination an electrically insulated base, a plurality of sides extending vertically therefrom, a platform formed on said base adjacent a pair of said sides, a combined post and ledge formed at a junction of two of said sides, a ledge oppositely disposed therefrom, a plurality of resilient arms connected to said platform, one of said arms terminating at said ledge and the other of said arms contacting said combined post-ledge, contact points on said resilient arms normally being engaged, and rotor means placed within said base and sides for separating said contacts upon rotation.

2. A safety type switch comprising an electrically insulated base, a plurality of sides extending substantially perpendicular therefrom to form a switch casing therewith, a platform constructed of an electrically non-conductive material placed at a junction of two of said sides, a ledge formed at a junction of two of said sides, said latter junction also having a bore penetrating therethrough, a. combined post and ledge oppositely disposed from said first ledge, a pair of resilientiarms having contacts, one of said arms extending between said platfoirn and said ledge-and the second of said arms extending from said platform to said combined post and ledge, and'rotor means included within said casing adapted to disconnect said contacts upon rotation.

3. Apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein integrally formed therewith.

` 4. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said resilient arm extending from said platform and said combined post-ledge includes a nib cooperating with said cam to disengage said resilient arms.

5. A safety type switch for a motor used in a. fuel pump comprising in combination a plurality of switch sections, each of said sections including an electrical insulated base having an opening of substantial circular configuration, a plurality of sides extending therefrom and cooperating therewith to form a switch casing whose walls interconnect, pairs of said walls beingl oppositely disposed and forming smaller and greater angles therebetween respectively, each of said junctions of said walls forming a smaller angle having a bore penetrating therethrough, a ledge formed in the wall adjacent each bor-e, one of said ledges having a post seated thereon formed of the same material as its ledge, a platform formed at a junction of two of said sides, a pair of resilient members mounted on said platform, one of said members terminating on one of said ledges, said other of said resilient members including a nib substantially centrally mounted thereupon, a pair of arcuately shaped lips formed about said opening and placed diametrically opposite to each other, a rib formed on said base connecting said platform and one of said arcuate lips, rotor means included within said opening including a shaft, said lips and said rib adapted to maintain said rotor means within said opening and a cam mounted on said shaft adapted to rotate with said shaft within said opening to move said nib so as to activate said resilient members.

6. A safety type Switch comprising in combination a plurality of switch sections, each of said sections including an electrical insulated base, a plurality of sides connected to the base at angles different than right angles therebetween to form with said base a casing,'an 'extension formed on said base extending inwardly from said walls, said extension having eyelets placed therein, a pair of oppositely disposed shelves formed in said casing, a pair of normally contacting resilient arms mounted on said extension by means of said resilient members extending to one of said shelves, a rotor adapted to be within said casing, said rotor including a molded shaft and a cam for activating said resilient members to make and break -electrical contact therebetween.

'1. A safety type switch comprising in combination a plurality of switch sections, each of said sections including an electrically insulated base, a plurality of sides extendingtherefrom substantially perpendicular thereto, a platform being of a height substantially less than the height of said sides mounted on said base at a junction thereof, a ledge formed at a junction of a pair of said sides, a combined post and ledge formed at an' oppositely disposed junction from said two sides, a plurality of resilient arms, said arms overlying one another and normally being engaged, means mounting said arms between said platform and said ledges, and rotor means rotatable on said base for disengaging said arms upon rotation.

8. A safety type switch adapted for use in a motor used in a fuel pump comprising in combination a plurality of mating switch sections, each of said sections including a base formed of electrically non-conducting material, a plurality of side walls extending upright therefrom and forming a generally rhomboidal coniguratio a platform constructed of a non-conducting electrical 7 material extending from said base at a Junction adjacent said ledge, a contact point on said spring.

a second spring member iixedly mounted on said platform and extending to said ledge, said spring member having a contact point placed adjacent said contact point of said double section spring. both said contact points normally being engaged, and rotatable means mounted within said base adapted to disengage both of said contact points upon rotation thereof.

9. A safety type switch adapted for use in a motor to be used in a gasoline pump comprising in combination a mated pair of switch sections, each of said sections having a base constructed of electrically nonconductive material, said base having a diamond shape peripheral coniiguration,

a plurality of walls extending upright from said periphery forming a casing having a generally rhomboidal configuration, a platform mounted at a junction of two of said walls extending interiorly therefrom, said platform having a thickness substantially less than the height of said walls, a post formed of electrically non-conductive material spaced .from said platform, a ledge cut from a Junction of two of said walls oppositely disposed from said post, a multi-section spring, said spring having a cut-out portion, means mounting said multi-section spring on said platform with said cut-out section of said spring -'extending over said post, said spring having a free end positioned adjacent said ledge of said means included between walls of said casing for casing. a second contact spring diametrically positioned opposite the rst named multi-section spring on said platform. said second spring also having a contact, said contact normally engaged with said first contact of said ilrst named spring and means rotatably mounted within said casing for intermittently disengaging both of said contacts upon rotation thereof.

l0. A safety type switch adapted for use with a motor used in a gasoline pump comprising in combination a plurality of switch sections. each of said sections including a base having a diamond shaped peripheral coniiguration, a plurality of walls extending upright therefrom forming a casing having a substantial rhomboidal conilguration, a pair of spring contact members, one oi' .said contact springs being multi-sectioned,

xedly supporting said contact springat end terminals thereof, a headed nib centrally located on said mu1ti-sectioned spring contact, a pair of contacts placed next the free end of said multisectioned spring contact member, one of said contacts being placed thereon, and cam means rotatably mounted withln said casing to move said headed nib to open and close said contact upon rotation.

ERNEST EARL MALLORY.

BWEBENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

